GrowCNanswered grow question 3 years ago I cure a minimum of 2 weeks. If I'm growing a new strain I will even steal a sample when drying to try it early but I cure a minimum of 2 weeks. Something I intend for extracts I will do 2 weeks. I it is for smoking I will go three weeks.
During the cure I keep the bud in containers and keep the humidity between 58 - 62%. For the first week I will open the container and fan it before work, when I get home, and once or twice before bed (4 or 5 times a day). During week two I open the container 4 times a day and give it some airflow. Then in week three of cure I open it 2 or 3 times a day. The exact time depends on the smell. At the beginning of the process you get a sharp, pungent kick when you open the container. Over time the kick mellows and you can smell the terpines more and more.
As for sneaking an early sample. Even the stuff I took half way through drying still smoked pretty well. Harsh but not too bad. Maybe 95% good. For me it is the cure that brings out the last 5% of smoking goodness. If making extracts only I wouldn't feel bad doing the extract right after drying or a week later (I have NO experience to back that up).